Beauty in Destruction
ISO 1600 50mm f/5 1/640 sec
Im sitting at my desk consumed by the work at hand, when suddenly I jump as the high pitched alarm starts buzzing from my phone… “Its time” I think to my self as a warm smile starts to devour my face. I start to make my rounds in gathering all the bits I will need to venture into my days exploration. I double check batteries, cards, and the choice of lenses for the day, and Im off… only to hit the front door before I turn back realizing I’ve left my phone. I make the trip downtown with eyes wide open scanning every which way to make sure I don’t miss any opportunities. I force myself to take a different path then usual to add new surroundings to todays adventure. Coming into the heart of downtown I find a meter and do my best to parallel park between the outrageously close vehicles both in front and behind. As I exit the car I immediately arm myself with my bag to my left and camera to my right. I double check to make sure my settings are proper as to not miss “The” shot, and take the beginning steps of the days city travels.
Lately I’ve been getting some questions via email and facebook as to why I have been drawn to street photography so much lately, and my simple answer is because the city is constantly changing with new adventures to be had each time I make the trip. I find city life to be so mysterious yet so full of life. There are so many stories within the walls that go un-noticed by the equally interesting passer-bys, and I love being one of the few who do take notice. I love visiting the forgotten bits of the town, replaced by the new editions who will soon be forgotten and replaced themselves.
I came across this scene and immediately fell in love the the grungy appeal. As a Man theres just something about destruction that I cant help but to love. For a moment I felt like Chuck Norris standing next to this heap of rubble (Insert Chuck Norris Fact Here), as if I had just round house kicked a building to its breaking point. I remember as a kid, probably 3rd or 4th grade, my Dad was the manager of a body shop and I loved getting pictures next to the destroyed cars (Often times in a Hulk Hogan type pose showing off my “Guns”). I would bring the polaroid to school the next day and try and pick up chicks, telling them I did all that destruction with my bare hands. Needless to say it never worked.
I’m a huge fan of red brick buildings (very few of them here in Japan). This photo is beautiful while at the same time breaking my heart…
Well Im glad its sparked some emotion in you. What a bummer that you guys don’t have them in Japan. I wonder why that is?
Hopefully you can pick up chicks with your quality photos now 😉 Have a great weekend
Haha, thanks we will have to see.
What an awesome photo and writeup!! You made me laugh and smile – I love how you made it like an adventure because truly that’s what it is. Thanks for sharing!
It most certainly is an adventure! Thanks Cindy 🙂
Nice perspective, and an even better anecdote! 🙂
Thanks Nikhil!
Fun to read…and cool picture…
Thanks Kristin! I appreciate that 🙂
Old decaying things are good photo subjects.
I agree completely AC! One of my favorite subjects to shoot!
Dilapidation.
A great word with specific entomological roots in “stone.” To destroy with stones. Nice photograph.
Haha thanks Jessica! I love learning new things 😉
A really great and interesting scene, and so well captured. Great!
Thanks Inga!!
I love construction sites for photography. I hate to see things torn down, but there’s such beauty in it. Great photo.
I agree they hold a certain interest. Thank 🙂
Inundation’s worst at its best. A beautiful composition!
Thanks Steph!
Yes, it’s so true about beauty in destruction. You captured this beauty so wonderfully and so beautifully.
Thanks Kaya!
Very nice, love this stuff.
Thanks Harry!